Is God Calling?!?!

How do we know when God is calling us to something specific?  Does God really talk to us? Are His answers really clear?  I ask questions like this all the time! How do I know what God wants me to do with this decision.  When faced with  an important decision, there are three things I usually do.  First, I pray! I don't just pray for a specific answer or a sign, I pray for God's will in the situation.  I  pray that when I make that final decision, God will direct my words and/or actions so that it is His will for my life.  I also talk to other Christians and ask for prayer as well as their advice on the situation. And last I seek God's will by digging into His Word.  I read and study His Word.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6  Every time I am faced with a big decision, this verse comes up! I know that if my heart is for the Lord then He will direct my paths!

Right now, I am making one of those big choices in my life.  As I have been praying on what to do, I feel God has given me some answers.  I met with a young girl that used to be in a youth group that I helped out with when she was in 6th grade.  She is now a senior in high school; therefore, it has been several years since we have been able to get together. (I pray we meet up a lot more and not wait that long again!)  As she talked to me about her life and the young woman she has become, I started getting emotional realizing how parts of her life has been shaped by me and advice I had given to her several years back.  She even made the comment to me, "Don't ever think your advice doesn't mean anything." I have not stopped thinking about that part of the conversation.  She told me that when she gets herself into certain situations, she thinks about me and what I would think about the situation and if I would be ok with it. Would I approve?!?! On my way home from meeting with her, I got choked up because little did I know, God made a difference in her life through me.  He used me for a specific purpose.  He is still using advice I have given her several years ago to direct her paths now.  I knew that night, what I was supposed to do and the choice I should make.  As to how far I should take that choice and to what extent is still in God's hands...praying God will direct me and lead me in the path that I should go.  I do know that God has and is still using me for His purpose! I pray that I can continue to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, but instead acknowledge Him so that He will direct my paths!  "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen." Jeremiah 29:11-12  Wow!!! I love that verse!!! How awesome is it to know that God's plans for us are for good...not for bad!?!?!?  They will give me a future...a hope!!!  WHEN I PRAY, HE LISTENS!!!! I love knowing that!!!!  His timing just may not always be my timing and His answers may not always be my answers!

Ten Tips for the Newlywed: Keeping Your Husband Happy in Your Marriage

After much thought about what to get for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, I decided to put together a creative, unique gift that would be one of a kind, just like she is!  I decided to buy her ten items that would help her remember how to keep her husband happy!  After all every sister wants their brother to be happy...right?!  ;-)  So here's the list! Enjoy!

Ten Tips for the Newlywed:

 Keeping Your Husband Happy in Your Marriage 

         1.Taco Seasoning:  A reminder to cook for him often.  He will love you for it!

    2.Gain Softener:  Remember to do his laundry often.  He will always be out of underwear and socks!

    3.   Scope: Keep it by your bed for bad breath mornings! He will kiss you more often with fresh breath!

    4.  Magnetic Notepad: Keep this on your refrigerator for important reminders, grocery list, etc.  It will make both your lives easier!

    5.  Reese’s Cups:  Remember to be sweet to him always! He will annoy you! He will get on your nerves, but remember to continue being sweet! It will pay off in the long run!

    6.Sewing Kit:  It won’t be long before he is asking you to sew on a button for him.  Impress him by doing it!

    7.Cup: Stay hydrated! He will want you to workout with him! And trust me, his workout is a heck of a lot harder than a typical girl workout!

    8. Gift Card: Buy you some inexpensive but sexy lingerie!  He will love it on you; however, after the newness wears off, you won’t wear it much!

    9. Baby Toys:  If you wear that lingerie for him and do it often, you know one is coming soon! That baby will for sure be an enjoyment to you both!

  10. Picture Frame:  To remind you of all your great memories! There may be rough times, but remember there are always lots more good times than bad!!!

Verses on Marriage

My husband's and my family has been going through a rough time right now; therefore, my husband and I decided to start a devotional that would help us stay positive and keep God #1 in our marriage.  Below are some verses that have really stuck out to me as well as is now hanging around our house to remind us, we are not perfect, we will go through rough times, our spouse is not perfect, and that we must strive to work through tough situations.  I have learned so much from this devotional on how to handle conflict with my husband as well as how to respect him and show him that he is important to me.  If you are looking for an amazing devotional that is husband friendly that you will love as a wife "The Love and Respect Experience" is the one for you!  It is truly a blessing for both of us as we continue to go through a time of testing.  I know that through this all, we will not lose faith and will grow stronger as a couple as well as as a family! I also believe that through it all, we will learn to forgive, love a little harder and stronger, and grow closer to the one that really matters, our Lord and Savior! God will bring us through this...He has a purpose and plan!  He does not give us more than we can handle! For nothing is impossible with God! Letting go and letting God take control!!!!!! 

"But those who marry will face many troubles in this life." 1 Corinthians 7:28

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Matthew 19:6

^"But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. ³⁴ His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband." 1 Corinthians 7:33-34

"For a righteous spouse falls seven times, and rises again." Proverbs 24:16